Copied and pasted from the Maine Sailor review conclusion:
*"Best Value In A High Performance MPPT Controller = Genasun GV-10"*
I would suggest you call Genasun directly and talk to them about what
you need. They are very helpful, and in fact, the founder is a long
distance sailor who was inspired to design a bullet proof controller
after a personal bad experience. Read the "about us" page on their website.
"Alex MeVay, Genasun’s founder, was sailing the Yucatan in 2003 when his
power went out. An industry leader’s PWM solar charge controller had
failed somewhere between Guadeloupe and Boston, leaving him stalled in
the open ocean to fend for himself. MeVay disassembled the controller to
find poorly designed electronics and more cut corners than he could
count. And though he had spares available, he was unnerved having bet
his life on a shoddy solar component.
After returning to the USA, MeVay joined the MIT solar car team, where
he spent the next three years refining leading-edge design of solar
charge controllers and lithium batteries, and designing what would later
be Genasun’s first MPPT controller. And thus, a new day in solar power
began."
Bill Bina
On 4/28/2016 6:34 AM, Josh Muckley via CnC-List wrote:
Thanks guys, I had been focused on getting a Genasun. I was gonna do
2, one for each 100w panel. I had hoped to use their 5amp unit but in
reviewing the specs it looks like I would exceed the ratings by a
small margin. I looked at the 10amp unit but it is nearly twice the
price. If they made a 15amp unit then I could justify it since I
would only need one. Maine Sailor on pbase had some observations about
the Genasun units and was not particularly impressed. He cautioned
against the cheap Chinese controllers and provided a list of
recommended companies. This led me to the MorningstarStar 15 amp
MPPT. I liked the control options and customizations. I liked the
optional remote display panel. The price for the whole package would
have been twice that of 2 Genasun 10 amps. Then I looked at the
Victron BlueSolar. A single unit would cover 20amps at the same price
as a single Genasun 10 amp. I was close to purchase but then realized
I would miss out on the customizations and controls of the Morningstar
unit. I was also cautioned that the Victron unit might need at least
+5v more than the battery (12v) just to start charging, unlike other
units such as the Genasun. In my search I came across the Renogy 20
amp unit which had consistently high reviews on Amazon. The Renogy
20amp unit also has a remote monitor and all for the price of a single
Genasun 10 amp or the Victron 20 amp.
Just hoping someone had had good luck with some of these cheaper options.
Josh
On Apr 27, 2016 9:32 PM, "Frederick G Street via CnC-List"
<[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
Josh — I’ve never heard of Renogy before; the Vlctron stuff is
very well built and I’d trust that in a minute.
Fred Street -- Minneapolis
S/V Oceanis (1979 C&C Landfall 38) -- on the hard in Bayfield,
WI :^(
On Apr 27, 2016, at 8:19 PM, Josh Muckley via CnC-List
<[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
Hey guys,
Anyone have a good experience with an ebay or Amazon, el cheapo
solar charge controller. Particularly a MPPT type. The price for
the Morningstar is just a little prohibitive for what you get.
Renogy Traker MPPT 20A with the accessory meter is cheaper than
just the Morningstar 15A, MPPT ootion. It is also only a little
more expensive than the Victron BlueSolar 20A MPPT version.
Thanks,
Josh Muckley
S/V Sea Hawk
1989 C&C 37+
Solomons, MD
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_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like
what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are
greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like
what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are
greatly appreciated!
